Police are on the trail of a circus clown who cannot keep his hands to himself.

The suspect is described as having a white painted face, red nose, sparkly wig, yellow top hat, yellow shirt, baggy checked trousers and over-sized shoes.

A victim said she was "more bemused than shocked" when the clown made lewd comments to her in the centre of York. But she went to police when she saw him walk up to another woman and grope her breasts.

The first woman said: "The first time he came up to me and made a lewd remark as I walked past.

"But later I actually saw him grope another woman in the street. He then saw me sitting in my friend's car and came over and started gyrating at me.

"He was dressed as if he had just stepped out of a children's party. It was quite strange to say the least. I was more bemused than shocked.

"This guy is obviously a complete and utter weirdo and he needs to be caught.

"It wasn't like it was even during drinking time when you expect to see some strange sights."

She added: "Maybe he thinks that by disguising himself as a clown he can get away with this behaviour."

A police spokesman said: "Although this man may find his actions amusing, they do constitute a criminal offence and we are treating the matter seriously.

"We have had a complaint from someone who was very concerned about him and we are keeping a close eye on the situation.